The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to bolstering the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s national security strategy.
Speaking on Wednesday, 13th August 2025, at the commissioning of 46 operational vehicles at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, Ribadu praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing drug control under his Renewed Hope Agenda. He also commended NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), for transforming the agency into “a result-oriented force” in the fight against illicit drugs.
“Without mobility, our fight is severely constrained,” Ribadu stated. “Drug trafficking is not just a crime; it’s the oxygen for insurgents, armed groups, and criminal gangs. These vehicles will enhance NDLEA’s capacity to intercept traffickers, protect communities, and ensure no offender escapes justice.”
The NSA stressed that the Office of the National Security Adviser will continue to provide NDLEA with operational backing, intelligence coordination, and inter-agency cooperation involving the Police, Customs Service, and NAFDAC.
Marwa: A Milestone Made Possible by Presidential Backing
In his remarks, NDLEA boss Gen. Marwa described the commissioning as a “milestone achievement”, crediting the President’s strategic fiscal and policy support for making it possible.
“In two years, we have arrested 40,887 drug offenders, including 45 barons, seized over 5.5 million kg of illicit substances, destroyed 704.4 hectares of cannabis farms, and secured 8,682 convictions,” Marwa said.
“We have also treated and rehabilitated 24,173 drug users and carried out over 8,698 anti-drug awareness campaigns nationwide. These results speak to the President’s commitment and the resilience of our personnel.”
Marwa stressed that drug abuse fuels kidnapping, armed robbery, insurgency, and cult violence — issues that no serious national security plan can ignore. He pledged that NDLEA will continue evolving its strategies with sharper intelligence, community engagement, and improved logistics.
Dignitaries Applaud NDLEA’s Transformation
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Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), praised President Tinubu’s foresight in supporting NDLEA and commended Marwa for boosting staff morale.
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Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, hailed NDLEA’s resilience in tackling drug-related threats despite challenging circumstances.
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DG, Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, lauded NDLEA for adhering strictly to due process in acquiring the vehicles, calling the agency “a model for other government institutions.”
Deployment & Recognition
Out of the commissioned vehicles, 38 SUVs will be sent to Zonal, Strategic, and State Commands nationwide, while 10 sedans will be assigned to NDLEA directorates.
The event also featured the decoration of 15 newly promoted Commanders of Narcotics with the rank of Assistant Commander General of Narcotics (ACGN) — a move Marwa described as both a morale booster and a call to greater responsibility.
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